The DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) is a vital sign for identifying the problems related to a car. An OBD II scanner is an essential tool to present the codes. The OBD II codes have different definitions. Every code is dissimilar, showing the unique characters of the car’s problems. The P0046 code also has a significant meaning and a mentionable explanation. When the “A” circuit range of turbochargers can not work well, car users become a massive problem. The boost control is related to the car’s braking system. It is vital to have the perfect boost pressure of the brake pedal to maintain the car’s proper control. The imbalance of the turbocharger reduces the control of the vehicle and causes an unfortunate accident.
Modern vehicles use a turbocharger to pump the airflow of the vehicle’s engine. It is reliable for consuming more fuel than necessary. When it becomes damaged by the “A” circuit issue, you should repair the vehicle fast and make it problem-free.
Quick Reasons:
- Faulty boost control solenoid
- Wiring or connector issues in the boost control circuit
- Vacuum leaks or restrictions in the intake system
- Damaged turbocharger wastegate
- Faulty turbocharger or supercharger
- Faulty PCM (rare)
- Clogged or damaged intercooler
- Boost leaks from damaged
- Foreign objects
Quick Solutions:
- Inspect the Turbo/Supercharger System
- Examine the Boost Control Solenoid
- Check for Vacuum Leaks
- Inspect the Intercooler
- Check the VGT/VVT Mechanism
- Wiring and Connectors
- Check for Software Updates
- Professional Diagnosis
- Replace Components if Necessary
- Clear the Code and Test Drive
What is The Meaning of The P0046 OBD2 Code?
Trouble Code P0046= “Turbo/Super Charger boost control solenoid circuit range/performance.”
A turbocharger /supercharger is a vital element of a vehicle to maintain the engine’s efficiency. It is the module for compressing more airflow into the engine cylinder. The turbocharger needs an electrical connection to maintain its efficient service. But, sometimes, the “A” circuit can be open or shorted. It can hamper the efficiency of the charger. The supercharger becomes unable to work appropriately with its efficiency and well performance. As a result, the OBD II scanner shows the P0046 code.
What are the reasons for the P0046 code?
If you know the consequences of a trouble code, you can quickly identify the code when you face any problem with your vehicle. The P0046 is the performance-related problem of the “A” circuit range of supercharger boost control. There are some significant effects of a car that the result of the P0046 code can cause. It is necessary to get the reasons and solve the issues by identifying the defects.
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Boost Pressure’s Problem
When the boost control unit of the boost pressure can not work correctly, the pressure does not come as necessary. The inefficient and insufficient boost pressure is reliable for causing the turbocharger. As a result, the P0046 code comes and notifies you that the boost control is not perfect. 
The boost sensor can identify the dimension of the boosting pressure. But, if the sensor is damaged or problematic, it will be unable to check the pressure. The situation results in causing a hamper on the car’s air pressure system. The engine light notifies you, and the P00046 shows you the problem visually. 
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Poor Electrical Connection
When the electrical connection to the “A” circuit of the turbocharger is poor, the charger does not work efficiently. It also hampers the turbocharger. The poor electrical connection is one of the significant reasons for causing the P0046 code. 
All The Possible Symptoms
The OBD II scanner works to identify the specific problem with your vehicle. But how can you be sure that the car is problematic? Some particular symptoms will assure you that you have to check the code on an OBD II scanner and repair your vehicle according to the direction of the OBD II code.
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Service Engine Light On
The engine light checking is the previous task of checking the OBD II scanner. It is the first step of repairing a damaged vehicle. The engine light will turn on if any engine or chassis-related problems occur. It shows you that your car is problematic and that you must repair it after checking with a scanner. 
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Insufficient or Over-Boost
The turbocharger boost control is an element of controlling the vehicle’s boost. When the car driver pushes the brake pedal, he needs a specific boost pressure to get appropriate energy for braking. If the boost is insufficient, he will face some problems with braking the car perfectly. The overboost is also harmful in situations when instant braking is essential. So, when you feel that the boosting is not perfect, you should check the OBD II code.
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Black Smoke Exhausting
If you notice that black smoke is exhausting through the exhaust pipe, you may consider it a turbocharger-related problem. When the “A” circuit range of the supercharger becomes problematic, the exhausting smoke proves that the system is complicated and the vehicle is burning too much fuel. After that, checking the OBD II code and getting the P0046 will make you sure about the problematic “A” circuit range.
How to Diagnose and Repair The P0046 Code?
The P0046 proves that the “A” circuit of the turbocharger controlling is problematic. Thus it becomes a significant reason for keeping the turbocharger’s condition well. But, when it becomes difficult, the air pressure becomes imbalanced. So, every vehicle user should be careful about it.
- The vehicle user must be careful about the engine light. Whenever the light turns on, it is a message that you have serviced the engine soon to repair your vehicle. The light also includes other engine-related problems as well. So, you must be careful about the light to diagnose the P0046 code. After that, you can take the essential steps to solve the code by repairing it in a mechanical shop.
- You have to check the turbocharger. Sometimes it becomes damaged and filled with debris. If you feel any difficulty using the supercharger, check it and repair it. If you can clear the debris expertly, getting the charger clean and free from damage will be a big step
- Now you will check the pressure sensor and circuit. When the sensors become problematic, the electrical connection can automatically be damaged. So, you have to check them and repair them if they are disturbing.
- Check the control solenoid for maintaining the fluid throughout the transmission. If the solenoids do open and close in perfect timing, they will be reliable for hampering the excellent performance of the circuit range. It will significantly undermine the supercharger boost control.
Is The Trouble Code Serious for driving?
The P0046 is a significant code of the engine hampering issue. When anyone can feel the problem of a supercharger and get the P0046 code through the OBD II scanner, he has to repair it immediately. Otherwise, the engine can be damaged and create a big issue by hampering the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Your vehicle is your partner during journeys. You also use it for critical work in emergency times. So, you may face any danger if suddenly your vehicle’s engine is gone. So, we present the possible causes and the repairing process of the P0046 code in this article. If you get the P0046 code, do not be worried about the engine condition. Your consciousness about fast repairing the vehicle will save the vehicle from engine damage.
On the other hand, the code is related to the turbocharger. When the “A” circuit range of the turbocharger is problematic, the engine can not work correctly. As a result, it becomes damaged and hampers your safe driving. So, after getting the code, you must take the initiative to repair the vehicle as soon as possible.
Kevin Nicholas is an automotive technician who is a genius at software and hardware-related issues. He manually tested more than a hundred OBD scanners and gave his honest opinion on whether the device was worth the money or not. His in-depth OBD review articles help people choose the right product, whether it is a European, American, or Asian vehicle. He completed his Automotive Specialized Training Course at Universal Technical Institute and has more than 15 years of experience in the field.
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